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Whether you prefer a rousing game of volleyball, the smooth sensation of sailing, or the quiet delights of bird and butterfly watching, Chicago’s lakefront boasts all the fun that one can have in the sun.
beaches
Sunglasses? Check. Bathing suit? Check. Camera loaded? Bike rented? Check and check. You’re ready to pedal north or south on this spectacular urban esplanade, where the wonders of the beaches await you.
Montrose beach
Indulge your pooch by making your first stop Montrose Beach (4400 N.), home to the only moff-leash dog beach in the city. Bring along skates or a board? Try them out at the
modern skate park.
Or tote your camera to the Bird Sanctuary and Dunes, AKA "The Magic Hedge," where you can observe birds in their natural habitats, while catching glimpses of downtown’s spectacular skyscrapers through the trees.
Foster Avenue Beach
Escape the city at Foster Avenue Beach (5200 N.). Recline with a book in the biscuit-colored sand, float on your back in
the waves, or take a more active approach and shoot some hoops. Then trek through the pedestrian underpass into the neighborhood to dine among the landlubbers for lunch or dinner.
Museum Campus
On your way south, stop at the Museum Campus (1200 S.) for an unrivaled photo op of Chicago’s skyline. Bring a bite to eat and picnic on one of the area benches.
Set aside some time to visit 1 or all 3 of the world-class museums: The Field Museum where “Sue” the T-Rex dwells, the Adler Planetarium with its state-of-the-art sky show, and Shedd Aquarium.
Or take it easy and head straight to 12th Street Beach to catch some rays.
63rd street beach at jackson park
The 63rd Street Beach (6400 S.) features the restored 1919 Jackson Park Bathing Pavilion Beach House. Watch the interactive fountain bring smiles to little faces as they
frolic in the spray. At sundown, clap along to the beat in the drummer’s circle or bring your own instrument, and join the jam session.
Breathe in the ambiance of the countryside at the nearby Paul Douglas Nature Sanctuary with its lagoons and prairie, then cross a bridge to the tranquil yet dramatic Osaka Japanese Garden.
Mere steps away, the Museum of Science and Industry sheds light on a whole other world of mysteries. If you brought your clubs along, break them out for 18 holes at Jackson Park Golf Course.
Entertainment
After a day on the go, the perfect evening might include music, theater, or a water parade.
shedd aquarium
Groove with some real party animals at Jazzin’ at the Shedd, where top jazz musicians perform on the terrace of the Shedd Aquarium against the breathtaking backdrop of the city’s skyline.
In the Oceanarium, commune with dolphins and beluga whales. Dare to stare into the steely eye of a shark at the Wild Reef. Look in on the lizards and Faust, the Komodo King in the Lizards and the Komodo King exhibition through September 2.
theater on the lake
Enjoy Chicago’s vibrant theater scene without losing the lakeside mood at Theater on the Lake. This historic lakefront venue’s stunning views are the backdrop to diverse productions from comedy to circus shows to musicals, all presented by various off-Loop theater troupes.
venetian night
During the Annual Venetian Night, during which a fleet of 35 lit-up, festively decorated boats try to top each other in contests and other antics.
Cheer on entrants and pick your
favorites before a grand finale of fireworks. Watch an enactment of an air and sea rescue as well as a flyover by the awesome civilian aerobatic team Lima Lima.
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beaches
Beach season
Daily, Friday, May 23 – Monday, September 1,
6 am–11 pm
Locations vary
312.742.PLAY (7529)
The following beaches offer ADA-approved accessible beach walks leading to the water:
Montrose Beach
(4400 N.)
Foster Avenue Beach
(5200 N.)
63rd Street Beach
(6400 S.)
museums
The Field Museum
Daily 9 am–5 pm (August 12, 4 pm); last admission 1 hour before closing
1400 S. Lake Shore Drive
312.922.9410
www.fieldmuseum.org
adults $14–22; seniors 65+/ students w/ID $11–$19; children 4–11 $9–$12
Adler Planetarium
Daily, Monday, May 26–Monday, September 1, 9:30 am–6 pm (1st Fridays [each month] 10 pm)
1300 S. Lake Shore Drive
312.922.STAR (7827)
www.adlerplanetarium.org
adults $10–$23; seniors 65+ $8–$21; children 4–17 $6–$19
Jazzin’ at the Shedd
Thursdays, June 19– August 28 (except August 14), 6–10 pm
1200 S. Lake Shore Drive
312.692.3373
www.sheddaquarium.org
adults $10; seniors/ children 3–11 $8 (+$6 for Lizards and the Komodo King & Oceanarium; +$4 for Shedd’s 4-D FX Theater)
lake activities
Theater on the Lake
Days and times vary, Wednesday, June 11– Sunday, August 3
2401 N. Lake Shore Drive
312.742.7994
www.chicagoparkdistrict.com
$17.50 per person
Annual Venetian Night
Saturday, July 26, 7:45– 9:45 pm
Lakefront, between Monroe Street and Roosevelt Road
312.744.3515
www.venetiannightchicago.us
